[Basketball Cheer Songs] A curated selection of tournament theme songs and energizing anthems!
Basketball’s popularity is on the rise in Japan, thanks to the national team’s strong performances at the Olympics and the excitement surrounding the professional B.League.
Japanese players shining in the NBA are also drawing a lot of attention.
Beyond cheering through the TV, many people are passionately involved in school clubs or heading to arenas to enjoy games in person.
In this article, we’ve gathered basketball-related songs: tracks you can use to cheer during games, theme songs from the domestic league and international tournaments, and opening themes from anime that feature basketball.
They’re all perfect as pump-up BGM for practice, so whether you’re a player or a fan, be sure to check them out!
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[Basketball Cheering Songs] A curated selection of tournament theme songs and energizing fight songs! (31–40)
Do itKNOCK OUT MONKEY
This song, released as the fifth single by the four-piece band KNOCK OUT MONKEY—known for their loud sound and catchy melodies—was also selected as the 2016 theme song for the National High School Basketball Championship.
Magic JohnsonRed Hot Chili Peppers
It is included on the fourth album by the globally popular band Red Hot Chili Peppers.
The title “Magic Johnson” refers to the legendary player of the NBA basketball team, the Los Angeles Lakers.
Until the day when dreams are no longer just dreamsJewel
It’s a powerful cheering song that sings, “No matter how many times we fall or hit a wall, let’s keep moving toward our goal!” It’s a track by the girls’ dance-vocal group Jewel, released in 2019, and it was chosen as the official theme song of the Women’s Japan Basketball League, the W League.
The lyrics, which teach the importance of continuing to take on challenges and living true to yourself, are moving enough to bring tears to your eyes.
It’s perfect not only as a basketball anthem, but it also fits other sports as well.
JumpVan Halen
When it comes to Van Halen, they’re an American hard rock band that debuted in 1972.
They’re a legendary presence in the Western rock scene, and I think many people would recognize their songs even if they don’t know the band’s name.
“Jump” is a track that’s often played at American professional basketball games.
The chorus—“Come on, let’s jump!”—is a real boost of energy.
ThunderstruckAC/DC
AC/DC is a world-famous rock band from Australia.
Thunderstruck is a track from their 1990 album The Razors Edge.
It became a hit, notably featured in the film Varsity Blues.
In 2008, the NBA team Oklahoma City Thunder adopted the song as their theme, cementing it as a basketball anthem.
Its energetic vocals and powerful, exhilarating sound are irresistible.
[Basketball Cheering Songs] Carefully selected tournament theme songs and empowering fight songs! (41–50)
BRAND NEW WORLDD-51
Starting with lyrics that powerfully rally those who fight, “BRAND NEW WORLD” can be called a fiery anthem that reaches everyone in sports and in any scene of struggle.
D-51, a J-pop male duo consisting of YU (Yu Uesato) and YASU (Yasuhide Yoshida), began their career in 2003.
Their sixth single, “BRAND NEW WORLD,” was originally the opening theme for the TV anime One Piece.
Its bright, up-tempo sound and lyrics about pushing forward without giving up perfectly match the feelings of those working hard in clubs and competitions, as well as those cheering them on, making it beloved as a fight song.
I can’t end it like this.Jewel
This song was chosen as the special theme for the W League, Japan’s women’s professional basketball league.
It’s a track by the dance-vocal group Jewel, released in 2020.
That same year, the COVID-19 pandemic became a worldwide social crisis, leading to the cancellation of many basketball games and live concerts.
Created in the midst of that period, this straightforward anthem is meant to connect people and cheer them on.
It’s an uplifting song that will inspire anyone—be sure to give it a listen.